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Where Can South Africans Travel in 2022?
COVID-19 and the resulting lockdowns placed significant limitations on where we, as South Africans, could travel. Luckily we seem to be moving beyond travel restrictions, with many countries dropping both travel restrictions and local COVID regulations as we move towards living with the virus.
Fully Vaccinated South African Travellers
Most countries now allow South African travellers, whether fully vaccinated or not. Please do however consult the relevant regulations before travel as these can change. Also note that some countries are still in the process of doing away with all COVID regulations, and as such they do still apply currently.
The COVID situation remains dynamic, so it is necessary to consult the relevant government website for the latest requirements before travel commences.
Mauritius
Entry Requirements: Mauritius has done away with all COVID travel regulation from 1 July 2022. More information here.
Visa: South African passport holders do not need a visa for short stays.
Flights: Air Mauritius and FlySafair operate flights from Johannesburg to Mauritius.
*Last updated 18 October 2022
USA
Entry Requirements: Fully vaccinated South Africans will again be allowed to enter the US from 31 December 2021 without the need to quarantine. Passengers no longer need to provide a negative COVID test. More details here.
Visa: South Africans require a US visa in order to enter. There has been no update on the issuing of B1 B2 visas, although some report massive delays in appointments at the consulate. Luckily US tourism visas are usually valid for ten years.
Flights to NYC: Both United Airlines and Delta Airlines will resume direct flights to New York. Qatar and British Airways also offer more affordable options.
*Last updated 18 October 2022.
UK
Entry Requirements:The UK has done away with all Covid-19 restrictions and travellers, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, no longer need to test or provide a passenger locator form. This became effective on 18 March 2022. More details here.
Visa: Visitors require a valid UK visa to enter.
Flights to
LON: Qatar Airways, KLM, Air France & direct services by British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
*Last updated 25 January 2022
France
Entry Requirements: Since 1 August 2022, visitors no longer need a compelling reason to visit, no formalities need to be completed and no negative COVID test needs to be presented. More info here.
Visa: Schengen Visa - Capago is currently issuing French Schengen Visas, but expect delays.
Flights to PAR: Qatar Airways, KLM & Air France
France has done away with the Travel pass and the Pas Sanitaire.
*Last updated 18 October 2022
Canada
Entry Requirements: From 1 October 2022 travellers no longer need to present proof of vaccination, a negative COVID test or to quarantine on arrival. More info here.
Visa: A valid Canadian Visa is required.
Flights to YTO: KLM, United Airlines & Delta Airlines
*Last updated 18 October 2022
Germany
Entry Requirements: Effective 11 June 2022, Germany dropped all COVID entry requirements. More info here.
Visa: Germany is issuing their own Schengen visas through TLS in South Africa.
Flights to FRA: Qatar Airways, Emirates & hopefully Lufthansa soon
*Last updated 18 October 2022
Seychelles
Entry Requirements: From15 March 2022 all fully vaccinated South Africans can enter Seychelles. Besides proof of vaccination, visitors no longer need a negative COVID test. All visitors need to have completed the Health Travel Authorisation and have a valid Travel and Health Insurance for entry to Seychelles. Visitors also need to stay in certified tourism establishments. More information here.
Visa: South African Passport holders do not require a visa to enter Seychelles.
Flights to SEZ: Air Seychelles
*Last updated 18 October 2022.
Egypt
Entry Requirements: From 17 June 2022, travellers to Egypt no longer need to present a negative COVID test or proof of vaccination. More information here.
Visa: South Africans require a visa. Egypt is issuing from their Embassy in Pretoria.
Flights to CAI: Ethiopian Airlines & Qatar Airways
*Last updated 18 October 2022
Montenegro
Entry Requirements: Montenegro has done away with all COVID travel regulations.
Visa: The Serbian consulate in Pretoria issues their Schengen Visas. Holders of a valid multiple-entry visa issued by Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States, or any Schengen member state, are reportedly allowed 30 days of visa-free entry.
Flights to TGD: Qatar Airways & Air Serbia
*Last updated 18 October 2022.
Other Countries
Most countries are doing away with their COVID entry requirements, or at least simplifying the requirements. The situation remains dynamic though, so you always need to check the country specific requirements on a relevant government website before travel commences to ensure you meet all entry requirements.
Digital Proof of Vaccination
You can digitise your COVID-19 vaccine card here or on this local version to get a QR code, as most countries require a QR code.
Only PCR Test Required
Maldives
Entry Requirements: From 13 March 2022, visitors to the island no longer need to present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test. Instead visitors need only complete a traveller declaration form at least 96 hours before arrival. More info here.
Visa: Visa is issued on arrival and valid for 30 days.
Flights to MLE: Qatar Airways
Zanzibar
Entry Requirements: From September 2022, fully vaccinated travellers need only proof with a QR code. Unvaccinated travellers need to present a negative COVID test with a QR code no older than 72 hours before departure. If you have neither, you'll have to pay for a rapid test on arrival. More information here.
Visa: No visa is required if travelling for leisure for stays up to 90 days.
Flights to DAR: Kenya Airways (which requires you to be fully vaccinated) & RwandAir
Keep In Mind
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These rules and regulations are subject to change at any moment - therefore it is advisable to check on them at least three times. Once before booking, once before you visa application and finally right before departure.
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Ensure you are aware of all the cancellation policies, especially if something is non-refundable.
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Don't forget to check the airline requirements in addition to your final destination, especially if there is a stop-over involved.
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If you present COVID symptoms, don't pass the screening or test positive for COVID you might still need to quarantine and postpone/ cancel or extend your trip. No airline will accept someone who they suspect has COVID.
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In general all passengers above the age of 18 years old needs to be fully vaccinated in order to enter a country where vaccination is a requirement. Some countries may lower this age to 12 years. Travellers between the age of 5 -17 can usually accompany vaccinated adults by presenting a negative COVID PCR test no older than 72 hours. Please consult the requirements of your planned destination to confirm entry regulations for minors.
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Whenever mention is made of "vaccines" it refers to an approved COVID-19 vaccine by either the WHO or the applicable country, depending on the entry regulations of the country you plan on visiting.
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To be considered "fully vaccinated" passengers need to have received two doses of the applicable vaccine, or one Johnson & Johnson dose, at least 14 days prior to departure and be able to provide proof thereof.
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South Africans are currently issued with a handwritten card as proof of vaccination, some countries might require this proof to be digital.
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Passports still need to be valid for a minimum of three months upon return with two blank pages and passengers need to have valid visas.
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All passengers require a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no longer than 72 hours before return to SA in order to enter the country.
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Travel insurance does not cover mandatory tests and quarantine, although some policies might cover unexpected quarantine and tests if a passenger contracts COVID-19 or believes they might have.
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Most countries still require travellers to wear masks and abide by social distancing guidelines despite their vaccination status.
* While we have endeavored to ensure all information is correct at the time of publication, it remains your responsibility to confirm this before booking. The more time that has passed since the information has last been updated, the more likely changes are.
